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Kevin Yon has been named the South Carolina winner of the Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year award. Pictured from left are: son-in-law Reid Harrison, daughter Sally Yon Harrison, wife Lydia Yon, Kevin Yon and sons Drake and Corbin Yon. (Image Credit: Clemson University Relations)

Clemson alumnus Kevin Yon named 2018 SC Farmer of the Year

Steven Bradley, Media RelationsClemson University

CLEMSON — Kevin and Lydia Yon had three children under the age of 6 when they took a leap of faith and bought 100 acres in rural Ridge Spring, South Carolina. Not that the kids were the most useful farmhands back then. “The day Lydia and I dug the first fence post hole, we had a borrowed tractor and an auger from the folks we bought the farm from,” Kevin said. “We were digging the fence post hole and looked back, and (youngest son) Corbin was filling up all the holes before the posts went in.” But, as the Yon children grew — they are now all Clemson University graduates, like their parents — the family farm grew with them. What began with 100 head of cattle and borrowed equipment today is listed among the country’s 25 largest purebred operations by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). As a result of the success of Yon Family Farms, Kevin Yon has been named the South Carolina winner of the Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year award. He joins nine other individual winners as finalists for the overall award that will be announced in October at the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia. Registered Angus bulls and females are the primary product marketed by Yon Family Farms, which has gone from offering 14 bulls in its first year to two live auctions annually — one in February and another in October — where 375 bulls and 150 females are sold. Perhaps even more meaningful, the operation has become large enough to support multiple families — Kevin and Lydia’s children, Sally, Drake and Corbin, all play vital roles in the business, which also sustains 10 employees and their families. The operation now boasts 1,200 registered cattle, 590 commercial cattle and 90 fed cattle. To say cattle farming was a lifelong dream for Kevin wouldn’t be much of a stretch. He was 12 when his parents loaned him the money to buy his first steer and heifer. By high school, Kevin had purchased a small crossbred herd he kept in a leased pasture in Anderson County, close enough to care for when he left for Clemson to pursue a degree in animal science. Kevin met Lydia, who had grown up on her family’s farm in Starr and took part in 4-H projects and shows involving cows and horses, at the Clemson University Block and Bridle Club. The cattle barn at Clemson’s Garrison Arena often played host to the club’s social events, but it became a meaningful spot to the Yons for a different reason. “There’s a wash rack on the west end of it, and that’s where I proposed — the wash rack at the bull test station,” Kevin said. “He proposed at the wash rack, it’s true,” Lydia said. “I said ‘yes,’ so it wasn’t such a bad thing.” After the Yons graduated — Lydia with a master’s degree — they landed what they considered a “dream job” at Congaree Farms in Richland County managing a small Angus herd, which became the foundation of the herd they still work with today. But, when the owner decided to discontinue his cattle operation seven years later, the Yons were left without jobs and wondering what to do next. And it was still unclear when Kevin, Lydia and their young children took a Sunday drive to Saluda County, where Kevin had once sold bulls. “I said, ‘I had no idea there was a town like this in South Carolina. This is beautiful,’” Lydia said. “I said, ‘We should look for land here,’ but there were no for-sale signs on anything. Kevin said, ‘That’s the problem. Nobody ever sells anything here.’” A quick pit stop on the way out of town led to a chance encounter with a former customer who knew of the Yons’ cattle expertise. As fate would have it, the man and his brother had a house and about 100 acres they wanted to sell. The rest is history. The little white house the Yons purchased is where they raised their children. Kevin said he’s never had a second thought of taking his operation anywhere but Ridge Spring since that day. “We never missed a beat,” he added. “We’d had six bull sales in Richland County. We just came here and had the seventh.” The Yons give much credit to Clemson Cooperative Extension — specifically, now-retired Saluda County agent Phil Perry — for helping them get their operation up and running. “Phil was very out-and-about and visible, so we knew him, and he really championed us and recruited us to come to his county,” Kevin said. “Ever since, we have been very involved with Clemson Extension.” His children were all active in 4-H — the youth development arm of Clemson Extension — and Kevin calls the Saluda County program “one of the best in the state.” The Yon family’s connection with Clemson goes even deeper, however, as all three children — Sally, now 27; Drake, 25; and Corbin, 24 — are also graduates of the university. And while all three have chosen to come back to the family farm to pursue their careers, Sally said they arrived at that decision on their own terms, not due to a sense of obligation or convenience. “I always knew I wanted to do something in agriculture, but I didn’t necessarily know if it was production agriculture — like hands-on, day-to-day work on the farm — but I’m glad I came home,” Sally said. “We just have a really good hometown community,” she added. “We have friends here who are more like family.” Now, Sally’s husband, Reid Harrison, also works at the farm — as does Drake’s wife, Nicole. But coming back to work on the farm wasn’t a birthright. Kevin and Lydia had a rule that if the kids wanted to make a career at the farm, they needed to go work elsewhere for four years, whether that be the Army, another job or college and internships. Drake’s summer internships during college took him to a feed lot in Kansas, an Angus farm in Montana and a commercial cattle farm in Florida. And while he said he learned a great deal about the industry at each, he never felt as invested as he did at his family’s farm. “We always say that we grew up on the farm, but we kind of grew up with the farm, too,” Drake said. And as the business diversified, it allowed each of the children to fill their own niche within the operation. Corbin manages the family’s latest venture, Yon Family Orchards & The Nut House and Country Market, alongside his brother’s wife, Nicole. “It’s still the family’s thing, but there’s opportunity with the expansions that it’s not like we’re just coming home and following right in our parents’ footsteps,” Corbin said. “Each of us has been allowed to use our talents where they are best suited.” Matthew Burns, Clemson Extension beef specialist, said the Yons are still active and supportive of the 4-H program in Saluda County and the agriculture industry in South Carolina in general. “They have been outstanding partners and supporters of Clemson Extension,” Burns said. “And anytime any local group or school district wants to come out to the farm to learn, they roll out the red carpet. They are just major advocates for agriculture in this state.” The Yons received the 2009 National Environmental Stewardship Award from the NCBA for the practices they have employed to protect the environment. They have also worked to foster the agriculture industry in Saluda County and beyond by continuing to host interns and students who have an interest in agriculture, regardless of experience level. And the respect the Yons have earned in the agricultural community doesn’t come just from Clemson Extension, but also from their customers. “I think the world of all of them. You get the whole truth, the good and the bad, when you deal with them,” said Joe Davis, of J. Davis Cattle in Westminster. “They are very, very humble people — but they know the cattle business and will tactfully share that knowledge.” And while Travis Mitchell, Extension area livestock and forages agent in Saluda County, was not in his current role the day they put in those first fence posts, he says he’s had a relationship with the Yons for many years. “There has never been a corner cut on their operation,” he said. “Every decision that is made is made with great attention to detail; a lot of thought goes into it. They manage this operation that way, they manage everything they do that way, and they’ve raised their children in a way that would have to be respected by anyone. “Everything they do is done with a great deal of passion,” Mitchell added, “and it shows in their operations and in the success of their children.”

Treasurer’s RaceHighlights Primaries

The Republican Primary race for Saluda County treasurer is the only local contest in the June 12 primaries. Saluda County Tax Collector Tiffany Rodgers Shaw and Deputy Judge of Probate Melinda Kneece are seeking the treasurer’s office, made vacant when Treasurer Tina Shealy announced her retirement. “I can provide positive change for Saluda County Treasurer,” Mrs. Kneece said in her announcement statement. Among her priorities are:. •Fiscal Transparency •Assisting state officials with distribution of Unclaimed Funds •Utilizing the State Investment Pool for Saluda County Investments – Daily liquidation is available •Transparency in county spending – Monthly Reports at Council Meeting •Advocating the publication of information for the citizens of Saluda. In her campaign announcement, Mrs. Shaw said, “These last 9 ½ years of working in the Treasurer’s office has given me the opportunity to know that I would love to continue to work with the taxpayers and Saluda County. I feel that being in the office and knowing what goes on firsthand has given me the experience needed to be the next Treasurer of Saluda County. Working with the current Treasurer, Tina Shealy, I have seen how much hard work, dedication, and effort it takes to be a great Treasurer and for the County to operate smoothly. I know that this is a tremendous responsibility and I am ready, willing, and dedicated to be your next Treasurer.” Statewide, the primaries feature several races. Three candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination for governor: Phil Noble, James Smith and Marguerite Willis.

Seeking the nomination to meet current Republican Third District Congressman Jeff Duncan in the November General Election are Hosea Cleveland and Mary Green. The Democratic ballot contains two advisory questions, in which voters are asked to vote “Yes” or “No.” QUESTION 1: Do you support passing a state law allowing doctors to prescribe medical marijuana to patients? QUESTION 2 Do you support passing a state law requiring the governor of South Carolina to accept all federal revenues offered to support Medicaid and Medicaid expansion efforts in the state? On the Republican ballot are three races. Incumbent Governor Henry McMaster is being challenged by the current Lt. Governor Kevin Bryant, John Yancey McGill, Catherine Templeton and John Warren. Current Secretary of State Tom Hammond will face Nelson Ferber, Joshua Putman and Kerry Wood. Attorney General Alan Wilson also faces opposition, including Todd Atwater and Saluda native William D. Herlong. The Republican ballot also contains two advisory questions, in which voters are asked to vote “Yes” or “No.” QUESTION 1; Do you believe that voters should have the option to choose to affiliate with a political party when they register to vote or change their voter registration in South Carolina? QUESTION 2: Do you believe that South Carolinas tax code should be brought into conformity with the new Trump tax cuts in the federal tax code for maximum simplification and to lower the overall tax burden on South Carolina taxpayers and businesses? Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.

40th Annual Truck & Tractor Pull June 8-9 Weekend

The Saluda Young Farmers 40th Annual Truck and Tractor Pull, “Hottest Pull in the South” will be held June 8th -9th at the Young Farmer Stadium at the County Recreation Complex. The Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League professional pull will begin at 8pm. Gates open at 5pm. Classes this year include: unlimited super stock tractors, mini rod tractors, pro modified 4WD trucks, limited pro diesel trucks, and pro street diesel trucks. Ticket prices are as follows: Adult one day passes - $25, Adults weekend passes - $45, Children 6 to 12 - $10, under 5 – Free, and cooler/bulk beverage - $5.00 (no glass containers). Credit and debit card ticket purchases will be available at the gate. Concessions will also be available. Advance weekend passes (Friday and Saturday) and one day passes are being sold at Rodger’s Fertilizer in Saluda. Weekend passes will also be available at the gate on Friday night of the pull. To purchase trackside parking, contact Tony Perry at 864-980-4500. All trackside parking spots are $100.00 for the weekend. The Saluda Young Farmer Scholarship winners will be recognized on Friday night. The 2018 winners are Texanna Miller, McKenzie Maffett, and Sarah Shore. Proceeds from the pull go towards the scholarship program. Cody Webb will be in concert at 7pm and after the pull on Saturday night. Bring a lawn chair – stand seating is limited. Also, visit the Young Farmer merchandise table to purchase your official tractor pull shirt. Come and enjoy a weekend of high-powered action! Check out www.SaludaYoung Farmer.org or syftp.us for the latest information. Like us on Facebook at Saluda SC Tractor Pull.

Memorial Day Wreath Laying

American Legion Post 65 hosted at Memorial Day program at the newly renovated Saluda Theater Mon., May 28. Vietnam veteran Grady Lee Clark was the featured speaker. In the above photo, Clark, left, and Post 65 Commander Alvin Butler lay a wreath honoring Saluda County’s war dead. (Standard-Sentinel photo)

Ridge Spring Memorial Day Display

The Ridge Spring American Legion and Auxiliary Post 133 has a Memorial Day display in the Town Square. There is a memorial ribbon for each serviceman killed during wars from the Ridge Spring, Monetta and Ward areas. John and Nola Burger designed and made the display, and this is the thirty-second consecutive year that the fallen soldiers have been honored on Memorial Day.Pictured, left to right,Bob Householder, Jimmy Thrailkill, Ron Cathey, Tom Hendrix, Neil Euliano, John Burger, Wayne Asbill, Ed Gregory.

TEXAS VISITORS - It was a very busy day for the Saluda County Historical Society as the organization welcomed Amy Jo Baker and Martha Fleitas from the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. They presented a medallion to the Society. Also invited were Bonham descendants to Flat Grove and they toured the building. (Historical Society photos by Dean Roesner)

Peach Tree 23 Yard Sale is Friday and Saturday, June 1-2

Believe it or not the Peach Tree 23 Yard Sale is only days away. Eleven years ago all the small towns along Highway 23: Batesburg, Leesville, Monetta, Ridge Spring, Ward, Johnston, Edgefield, and Modoc got together to create a 44 mile yard sale that takes place in each of the towns and some areas along the way on the first Friday and Saturday in June. The yard sale has grown each year and brings lots of folks from everywhere. Make your plans for Friday and Saturday, June 1 and 2, and join us in any of the towns along the Highway 23, or maybe, like some, start at the beginning and travel the 44 miles to its end. Join us in our annual fun event and “Rummage the Ridge”. For information, call 803-685-7810.

County’s Oldest Citizen Dies At 111

Saluda County’s oldest citizen, Miss Laura A. Wright, 111, died May 16, 2018. She would have turned 112 on June 15. Miss Wright taught school for almost 40 years in Saluda. On her 110th birthday, when asked what she thought about living 110 years, she said she had nothing to do with it, but that it was God’s blessings, and we should thank and praise him for the years He has granted us. She said she always honored her mother, father and elders. She never smoked or used alcohol, nor indulged alcoholic beverages, nor harmful gossip.

79th Saluda High School Reunion

Helen Stoudemayer Dasher, left, and Sudelle Lott, the last surviving members of the Saluda High School Class of 1939, were honored on their 79th reunion at Saluda Nursing Center Fri., May 18. The event was hosted by their families. Special guests were members of the Saluda High School National Honor Society. Heather Harmon, Honor Society advisor, presented Mrs. Dasher and Ms. Lott with an honorary membership in the organization. Mrs. Dasher told Ms. Lott, “Look, it took us 79 years to make the National Honor Society!” Honor Society member Macy Crawford sang two songs. Before cake was served, all in attendance joined in singing the Saluda High School Alama Mater. Mrs. Dasher is holding a copy of the 1939 Senior Edition of the Purple and White, which belonged to the late Mildred Shealy Holstein, a member of the class.

SALUDA COUNTY STUDENT RECEIVES COUNTYWIDE AWARD AT PTC GRADUATION - At Piedmont Technical College’s recent spring commencement exercises, outstanding students from each of the college’s seven supporting counties were honored for academic achievement. Brandon Tarlton (pictured at right), who graduated with a mechatronics technology degree, was the honoree for Saluda County. Congratulating Tarlton is PTC Area Commissioner Bill Whitfield.